Changing Michael

Publisher's Summary

Matthew knows how things work. He's pretty much an expert. For example: friends. Friendship requires both give and take, and Matthew strongly prefers taking. The solution is close acquaintances - people who think you're their friend because you nod and act interested in whatever the hell they're talking about. School? Perfectly pleasant as long as you don't pay attention. Mom? Award yourself a point for each hands on hips or "young man." Wear her down until you can get what you want. The general rule: The less anyone knows about you, the better. But even someone as clever as Matthew needs practice. That's where Michael comes in. See, Michael doesn't get it. He's the kind of kid who comes up with the answer before the teacher. He's the kind of kid who asks questions. He's the kind of kid who still has the ratty, old backpack he should have thrown in someone's dumpster years ago. Consequently he's the kind of kid who gets the crap beaten out of him on a regular basis. So one day Matthew, seemingly out of the kindness of his heart, decides to help Michael out. Turn his life around. Teach him how to make his life as great as Matthew's. Before long Matthew is helping Michael mess with his NASCAR-loving stepfather. He's spreading rumors to convince the population of Alexander High School that Michael is a serious badass. He weaves his way into the lives of Michael's estranged dad, and even Chrissy, the half sister Michael never even knew he had. But what if Michael isn't grateful for all of Matthew's hard work? What if he actually likes who he is? Why the hell would he? And for that matter, why should Matthew even care? Changing Michael is an absorbing exploration into the head of one of the most fascinating high school characters since Holden Caulfield.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful

Dec

I'm very torn as to how to rate this book. I think I would've liked it more as a 13-year-old; which is good- because I think that's the likely audience.

Unfortunately, by the time I really got into the book and started to actually like the primary character, it ended...so I went from not particularly liking it to finally getting invested in the characters to it ending on me!

The narrator did a great job. I don't know how they would do with a character that isn't a nasally young male, but he did a great job in this book.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

Narration - William Coon - Really GoodHe really nails the character of Matthew - who is one of the main characters and whose POV we are getting through the whole book. A snarky high school student (nailed it) as well as his characterizations for our geek Michael, his sister Chrissy, Flap, Gut and Michael's dad! Oh and we can't forget Wanda! Really great job and an enjoyable listen.

This is a really smart, witty, well written, light and (at the same time) deep story.

The main character Matthew is a pretty bright and snarky high school student who takes it upon himself to "help" Michael. Michael is a geek. His nose is always in a book and he's a perpetual target for bullies, but he's no fool.

Michael is a really bright kid and while he begins to accept and even somewhat welcome Matthew's invasion into his life, he quickly figures out Matthew's motives.

It ended in a weird place, but I think that leaves us to our own interpretation. I feel like Matthew and Michael are both ending up in a better place (emotionally and socially).

I received this audiobook free of charge from audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review